Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said pitcher Mike Bolsinger's performance Wednesday night and ‘the state of our 'pen after' the game would decide whether the right-hander remains with the team or is sent back to Triple-A Oklahoma City to continue building up his pitch count.

ANAHEIM – You know that leaf you put in the dining room table to expand it when company comes over? Think of Mike Bolsinger that way.

Bolsinger was activated from the DL and made his first start of the season for the Dodgers on Wednesday night after missing the first six weeks with an oblique injury. Infielder Charlie Culberson was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City to clear a roster spot.

The addition of Bolsinger temporarily gave the Dodgers a six-man rotation, allowing an extra day’s rest between starts for the other five starters during a stretch that will see the Dodgers go 20 days between off days.

But the Dodgers will likely return to the usual five-man rotation now.

“To be even talking about a six-man rotation, I think that’s a good thing,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said, returning to the organization’s season-long narrative about the value of depth. “As far as how far we want to take this – there’s been a little talk but we haven’t talked too much about it.

“Next time through – it’s going to be regular rest. We have a day off (Thursday) so they will get that extra day. But there won’t be an extra starter. I think that’s the way it’ll play out. But we’ll see.”

Roberts said Bolsinger’s performance and “the state of our ’pen after” the game would decide whether Bolsinger sticks around (possibly to pitch out of that ’pen), whether he remains in the rotation or is sent to Triple-A Oklahoma City to continue building up his pitch count. Before being activated, Bolsinger made just two rehab starts in the minor leagues, topping out at 63 pitches in the second one.

He threw 69 Wednesday, leaving with one out in the fifth inning and two runners on. Bolsinger allowed seven hits and walked two in that short time. He left with the game tied, 1-1, but both runners he left behind eventually scored.

The addition of Bolsinger gave the Dodgers 13 pitchers on the active roster, also a temporary situation. Roberts indicated the roster is likely to go back to 12 pitchers once the interleague series in an American League park is over.

Roberts would not characterize the situation as a competition between Bolsinger and the Dodgers’ current fifth starter, Ross Stripling, for that spot in the rotation. Instead, Roberts offered a pre-game endorsement for Stripling remaining.

“We’re just kind of waiting to see how tonight plays out and we’ll make that decision,” Roberts said. “Ross has done a lot of good things. He’s continuing to grow as a major-league pitcher. He’s earned it. He’s done a lot of good things. I think after tonight we’ll have a little more clarity on how we go forward.”

GONZALEZ STATUS

Dodgers first baseman Adrian Gonzalez was out of the starting lineup for the second consecutive day with lower back stiffness. But Roberts said the condition is “better than it was two days ago” and he could see Gonzalez getting back in the lineup in the next day or two. He said Gonzalez was available to pinch-hit if needed Wednesday against the Angels.

“It’s loosened up,” Roberts said. “I would say that realistically I see him in the lineup Thursday or Friday. I don’t think it’s a DL situation.”

After going 0 for 20 on the Dodgers’ near-winless homestand at the end of April, Gonzalez had started to regain his footing before leaving Monday’s game with the back issue. He is 14 for his last 48 (.292) with two doubles, a home run and five RBI in his past 13 games.

ALSO

Hall of Fame broadcaster Vin Scully has a very limited travel schedule in his final season. But he will be part of the Dodgers’ broadcast team for both games in Anaheim this week. … Outfielder Scott Van Slyke has relocated to the Dodgers’ training complex in Arizona, where he is increasing his workouts in anticipation of starting a minor-league injury-rehabilitation assignment soon. Van Slyke has not played since the first week of the season because of lower back irritation. Once Van Slyke does start a rehab assignment, it will probably need to last “seven days-ish,” according to Roberts.

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